Newport Aquarium Penguin Palooza, Newport, KY is Fun for the Kids

Yesterday we were invited to a special Media Event at the Newport Aquarium to see the new “Penguin Palooza” Exhibit!  Opening to the public on March 26, 2011 Penguin Palooza will feature new species, a new habitat for the birds and new interactive opportunities for guests.  The show will run throughout the day, every 15-30 minutes.  Another great feature is the new updated night-time lighting cycle, for late afternoon and evening guests.  In one word, amazing!  The boys loved it!

The newly expanded and updated exhibit is great!  The penguins have always been one of our favorite stops at the Newport Aquarium but this new exhibit is top notch!  They now have a new-and-improved seating area that puts you even closer to the penguins!  Our boys also loved the two cool bubble windows with awesome views of the sharks!

There is a new interactive area, Penguin Playground, where you can learn more about penguin habitats and conservation and take your picture next to life-size penguin sculptures.   Our kids loved the live show, featuring a presenter who entertained us with penguin facts and you interact with several animated penguin characters on a new high definition video board, all made exclusively for the Aquarium’s Penguin Palooza exhibit.

Our boys gave the new exhibit two thumbs up!  There are six Rockhopper penguins joining the 28 King, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins in the cold penguin  exhibit.  In addition there are flying  birds!  Six Inca Terns join the penguins in the refurbished space.  Penguin encounters are still available for an additional fee.  Don’t forget the penguin parade every morning, where one lucky child gets to serve as Grand Marshall.  The parades are free and happen in the Aquarium lobby or on the Newport on the Levee Plaza when weather allows for it.

The Newport Aquarium is open 365 days a year.  I personally think the best deal is to get a season pass.  We have been pass holders since my son was 18 months old!  Also, for discounted tickets you can purchase in advance at your local Kroger.

Disclosure: The Newport Aquarium provided this opportunity for our kids!  This in no way affects our post.  It is 100% our own opinion.

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Melissa Jennings

Melissa is a soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 21 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.